The Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana, has cautioned the new government against tolerating what they describe as delay tactics by state agencies in addressing unresolved labour issues.

According to TEWU, the new administration must act swiftly to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, including labour unions, who voted overwhelmingly for change in the December 7, 2024 elections.

In a congratulatory message to President John Mahama and Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, TEWU expressed hope that the new government would prioritise constructive dialogue and engagement in labour relations.

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The union stated that the decisive electoral victory signals a strong desire for change, including better handling of labour issues.

TEWU highlighted several pressing concerns, particularly with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), over the delayed conclusion and implementation of reviewed conditions of service for members in key institutions such as the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), Ghana Library Authority (GLA), and public and technical universities.

The union noted that it was forced to initiate a nationwide strike in November 2024 but suspended the action based on assurances from the FWSC that negotiations would be expedited.

However, the reviewed conditions of service for most of these institutions still remain unsigned and unimplemented.

TEWU firmly stated that the delay tactics seen in recent years would not be tolerated under the new administration.

“We hope the delay tactics exhibited by some state agencies in the recent past, will not be entertained by the new government,” the union asserted.

The union urged the government to prioritise the speedy conclusion of these negotiations to ensure the necessary financial commitments are captured in the maiden budget of the new administration.

“We believe the speedy conclusion to the negotiations on conditions of service of the affected institutions will make it possible for the necessary financial commitments to be captured in the maiden budget of the government, for immediate implementation,” TEWU stated.

As a direct appeal to the government, TEWU stated; “The gift we want from the new government for our members, in respect of the above-mentioned institution is to ensure a timeous and speedy conclusion of the negotiations on the long overdue reviewed conditions of service for them.”